Residents in central Middlesbrough 'plagued' by teenagers throwing fireworks

They say it's an escalating problem and call for urgent action.

Author: Molly RyanPublished 8th Oct 2019

There's calls for shops in Middlesbrough to be banned from selling fireworks after reports of teenagers targeting people with them.

Residents in the centre of the town say it's plaguing the area and leaving many frightened to go outside in the evenings.

Sharon lives there and tells us its happening every night and fears a ban is the only way to stop it: "the wardens can't patrol every area all night long, it's just never going to stop. They're selling them to kids and they're not bothered as long as they're making money."

"I've been saying for years that shops shouldn't be allowed to sell them, it should be illegal and just have council organised displays."

She says the problem is escalating and wants kids to be educated before it's too late:

"I was told by a child last week that a boy let a firework off while he had hold of it. Kids just don't see the dangers, they think it's big and clever but it's not. Until something happens to them then they'll be crying and wanting sympathy."

Councillor Linda Lewis represents the area - she says she is deeply concerned by the reports and advises people to contact the local street wardens to report anti-social behaviour.